Pollock told me he thinks nothing hurt the land more than the monument designation. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management already managed the area, conducting vegetation treatments, water improvements, and soil erosion projects. The agency cooperated fairly well with locals,…
FACT: The BLM does not allow oil and gas leasing within BENM. The monument is withdrawn from disposition under all laws relating to mineral leasing, and there are no oil and gas leases in the BENM that predate the monument’s…
It is time to stop the fallacy that a tourist driven economy is cleaner and has less impact on the land than other industries. Tourism's exaggerated claim of being a better alternative has not panned out in terms of financial…
Unlike cattle and sheep ranchers who hold grazing permits which they must diligently maintain and improve, and vigorously defend when the time comes to renew them, it appears that in this case, the parties in question have been allowed to…
"Some clever monkeywrenchers, however, cut fence to allow cattle to wander through campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation areas in order to outrage more people about the grazing of livestock on public land." ~From Ecodefense: A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching…
To say that Native American residents will never be shut out from access to the Bears Ears area is a naive notion. The Keyali story should be a clear reminder of what can happen. I read recently in an article…
In an unfolding "fundamental transformation" of rural, natural resources-based communities, progressive politicians and outdoor recreation seekers will eventually dominate, then drive out the industries, jobs, and the families who need to make a good living to survive. By Marjorie Haun…
Since February 4, when mineral claims on the land could be filed, three new claims have been filed. Two of them are not by mining interests, but appear to be publicity stunts or media actions. Morgan Sjogren, an outdoor writer,…
Amazingly, astonishingly, earlier this year, just after President Trump used his executive authority to reconfigure two massive national monuments in Utah, 'spectacular,' 'major cashes' of fossils in the very areas trimmed away from the original Clinton/Obama designations were suddenly thought…
Sound, scientifically-based management of natural resources in and around monuments is critical to the health of the environment, wildlife and communities. Policies must ensure that monument management policies are fair, balanced and employ expertise in forestry, soil, geology, water, wildlife,…